Archive for the 'Michael Kiwanuka' Tag Under 'Soundcheck' Category

When Mumford & Sons announced another run of dates earlier this year, with the self-proclaimed Gentlemen of the Road setting off on a Summer Stampede Tour from Calgary to Telluride, the question arose: With only two similar-sounding albums under their belts – 2010's self-titled debut and 2012's Grammy-winning Babel – what more could they bring live that their fans hadn't already seen recently?

Particularly in Southern California, how could the British neo-folk quartet top an early career pinnacle, last November's utterly commanding two-night coup at the Hollywood Bowl?

The answers unfolded tremendously during Sunday's stop at Devore's San Manuel Amphitheater, where they transformed the normally drab and remote location into an enchanting environment for a single-day festival that reached beyond the limitations of the outfit's catalogue, creating an unforgettable experience.

That alternate reality manifested itself from start to finish. As attendees poured in when gates opened at 3 p.m., they were greeted by custom-designed signage reading "Mumford & Sons Regional Park at Glen Helen Pavilion." The entire venue, including campgrounds complete with a swimming pool that opened Thursday night, was decked out with colorful banners, flags and balloon lanterns hanging in the trees. Even the walls flanking the enormous stage were covered by images of towering fir trees to drive home the welcoming, outdoorsy atmosphere.

Marcus Mumford belts one out at the Bowl last fall. Photo: David Hall, for the Register

Mumford & Sons: Following last November’s two instant sell-outs at the Hollywood Bowl, the British quartet, who have since seen their second disc Babel claim the Grammy for album of the year, have announced a second leg of touring that includes two more Southern California stops.

Not long after the Mumfords’ headlining turn at the Sasquatch festival on May 26, the group will arrive for a June 2 performance at San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore and then a June 3 show at Sleep Train (formerly Cricket Wireless) Amphitheatre in Chula Vista.

Michael Kiwanuka and Mystery Jets will open both dates. Tickets, $30-$55, go on sale April 5. A pre-sale invitation is available to fans who register through the band’s official site starting today.

We've been waiting for a chance to see D'Angelo's dramatic comeback for anything under triple digits. Now comes a perfect chance – with a big bonus.

The self-resurrected soul star, who recently wowed (at a sky-high price) at House of Blues Sunset Strip not long after resurfacing during a late-night jam at Bonnaroo, will appear alongside the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, when the pair's Liberation Tour arrives at Gibson Amphitheatre on Sept. 9, presumably ahead of planned albums from both artists. Even more icing: Melanie Fiona will open. Tickets, $55.75-$125.75, go on sale Saturday, July 21, at 10 a.m.